Fields are standing empty, due to foot and mouth
A sight which is repeated, in both North and South.
Livestock has been slaughtered, to stop infection spreading,
After test results confirm, what farmers have been dreading.
Now in rural Britain, silence fills the air
As devastated farmers, forlornly stand and stare.
They can't believe how quiet, farms and fields are now
Without the flocks of sheep, or even just one cow.
For many generations, they have lived with strife
Because it's more than work, it's a way of life.
So surely they'll bounce back, and start afresh again
Milking dairy cows, or lambing in the rain.
And if we have the privilege to once again go hiking,
To picnic on the moors, or even mountain biking.
Then hopefully we'll do so, sensibly with pride.
Not treat it as a playground, but respect the countryside.
Submitted by P Leonard, Whitby
Updated: 10:19 Thursday, October 18, 2001
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